Abstract
Kurt Rosenwinkel is arguably the most influential jazz guitarist of his generation. He has inherited the honor held by visionaries such as Jim Hall, John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, and John Scofield. His unique approach to the instrument, individual, refined improvisatory style, and distinctive compositional voice, have vaulted Rosenwinkel to the status of jazz guitar icon. Of equal import may be the extensive reach of his influence, affecting a remarkable number of contemporary guitarists in the fields of jazz, pop, and rock music. While much attention has been directed toward the analysis of Rosenwinkel’s compositions, an examination of his improvisatory style is particularly warranted given the scarcity of substantial academic writings available, and the significance of his contribution to the modern language of jazz guitar. This essay is therefore dedicated to the presentation of Rosenwinkel’s personal, educational, and professional background, as well as the transcription and analysis of key examples of Rosenwinkel’s improvisations to more thoroughly identify the attributes of his fascinating style.
In distilling Rosenwinkel’s improvisatory essence, the second part of this essay focuses on the transcription and analysis of his improvisations on standard forms (i.e., common repertoire from the "Great American Songbook" or blues canon) which allows for direct comparisons to be drawn from the improvisations of other key figures in the world of jazz guitar.